RESUMEN

Humiria balsamifera (Aubl), commonly known as "mirim", is a plant of the Humiriaceae family, which consists of 39 species divided between eight genera: Duckesia, Endopleura, Humiria, Humiriastrum, Hylocara, Sacoglottis, Schistostemon, and Vantenea. This study aimed to characterize H. balsamifera extracts by LC-MS/MS and evaluate their antimicrobial potential through in vitro and in vivo assays. The leaves and stem bark of H. balsamifera were collected and dried at room temperature and then ground in a knife mill. The extracts were prepared with organic solvents in order to increase the polarity index (hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol). The antimicrobial effects of these extracts were evaluated against the following bacterial strains: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313, Salmonella enterica Typhimurium ATCC 14028, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. The best activity was observed in the ethyl acetate (EALE = 780 µg/mL), methanol (MLE = 780 µg/mL), and hexane (HLE = 1560 µg/mL) leaf extracts against S. aureus. Considering the results for both antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities, the EALE extract was chosen to proceed to the infection assays, which used Tenebrio molitor larvae. The EALE treatment was able to extend the average lifespan of the larvae (6.5 days) in comparison to S. aureus-infected larvae (1 day). Next, the samples were characterized by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer, allowing the identification of 11 substances, including seven flavonoids, substances whose antimicrobial activity is already well-reported in the literature. The number of bioactive compounds found in the chemical composition of H. balsamifera emphasizes its significance in both traditional medicine and scientific research that studies new treatments based on substances from the Brazilian flora.

RESUMEN

The current paper investigates the development of two ornamental plants, canna lily (Canna x generalis) and giant horsetail (Equisetum giganteum), at both bench and pilot scale. Combinations of gravel-filled mesocosm, planted and unplanted (control), irrigated with light greywater (GWL) or tap water (WT), were used. Both species were able to grow under the tested conditions with no indication of toxicity that could affect the development. Irrigation with GWL, resulted in higher evapotranspiration (2.2 mm-2.8 mm) in canna lily than giant horsetail (1.7 mm-2.3 mm) in mesocosm system. When the plants were mature and the season was more humid and warmer, canna lily and giant horsetail irrigated with GWL evapotranspirated 69.23% and 30.77%, respectively as compared to the unplanted GWL-irrigated-mesocosm. Principal components and cluster analysis identified similarity between evapotranspiration (ET) and the characteristics of the plants. Both species can thus be used in constructed wetlands taking into consideration elements such as the space available, level of water and solar incidence so as to allow the full development of the plants. The roots of giant horsetail require high water availability. Low solar incidence is indicated for giant horsetail, and the opposite for canna lily, if flowering is desired.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

There is a worldwide range of technical sanitation guidelines focusing on small or traditional and isolated communities for ecological alternatives at the household level. However, a computational tool (software) that has a database and connects these guidelines in a single reference for resource-oriented sanitation concept decision making is still lacking. In this regard, an easy-to-use tool was developed using a participatory approach for the decision-making process from a choice of technical solutions to a type of system management. The results obtained from a pilot study indicate that the proposed tool in this paper will help with the decision-making process to aid in not only choosing sustainable sanitation solutions, but also sustainable operation and maintenance options for the systems. When presenting and discussing the tool with research groups and technicians, the potential for participatory application was noticed. The proposed tool can be used in the elaboration of municipal sanitation plans, assisting local technicians and environmental licensing agencies, designers and engineering students, among others. The software can be applied with other management tools, such as 5W2H and Canvas business model.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

In this paper the environmental evaluation of the separation process of the microalgal biomass Scenedesmus sp. from full-scale photobioreactors was carried out at the Research and Development Nucleus for Sustainable Energy (NPDEAS), with different flocculants (iron sulfate - FeCl3, sodium hydroxide - NaOH, calcium hydroxide - Ca(OH)2 and aluminum sulphate Al2(SO4)3, by means of the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, using the SimaPro 7.3 software. Furthermore, the flocculation efficiency by means of optical density (OD) was also evaluated. The results indicated that FeCl3 and Al2(SO4)3 were highly effective for the recovery of microalgal biomass, greater than 95%. Though, when FeCl3 was used, there was an immediate change in color to the biomass after the orange colored salt was added, typical with the presence of iron, which may compromise the biomass use according to its purpose and Al2(SO4)3 is associated with the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease, restricting the application of biomass recovered through this process for nutritional purposes, for example. Therefore, it was observed that sodium hydroxide is an efficient flocculant, promoting recovery around 93.5% for the ideal concentration of 144 mg per liter. It had the best environmental profile among the compared flocculant agents, since it did not cause visible changes in the biomass or compromise its use and had less impact in relation to acidification, eutrophication, global warming and human toxicity, among others. Thus, the results indicate that it is important to consider both flocculation efficiency aspects and environmental impacts to identify the best flocculants on an industrial scale, to optimize the process, with lower amount of flocculant and obtain the maximum biomass recovery and decrease the impact on the extraction, production, treatment and reuse of these chemical compounds to the environment. However, more studies are needed in order to evaluate energy efficiency of the process coupled with other microalgal biomass recovery technologies. In addition, studies with natural flocculants, other polymers and changes in pH are also needed, as these are produced in a more sustainable way than synthetic organic polymers and have the potential to generate a biomass free of undesirable contaminants.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: In some countries, the public health system has less availability when compared to the population covered by health insurance. In addition, inappropriate referrals for treadmill exercise stress test increase spending and lead to unnecessary interventions. We aim to determine the prevalence and characteristics of inappropriate referrals for treadmill exercise stress tests in the assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD), considering public and private health systems scenarios. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used to describe the frequency of inappropriate use of exercise testing in the diagnosis of CAD and to determine its predictors. We consecutively enrolled 191 patients from two outpatient facilities in Northeast Brazil. For inclusion, the exercise testing should be referred for the assessment of CAD. We performed logistic regression models to identify independent predictors of inappropriate use. RESULTS: Treadmill exercise stress tests were rated as inappropriate in 150 (78 %) patients. The majority of patients had low or very low pre-test probability of CAD. Presence of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia were more frequent in the appropriate than inappropriate indications (71 %, 19 % and 29 % versus 43 %, 8 % and 16 %, respectively). Tests performed both at the public and private system showed high prevalence of inappropriate examinations, higher in the latter (57 % versus 87 %, P < 0.001). The private health system was the major independent predictor of inappropriate referral, consistent in all regression models (when adjusting for clinical variables, OR = 4.3; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The vast majority of treadmill exercise stress test referrals in the assessment of CAD were inappropriate. The availability of the method and not the estimate probability of CAD appear to be the underlying condition for a treadmill test referral.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Introduction: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an already established procedure in the treatment of gastric and esophageal cancer in its early stages. Colorectal lesions, initially approached by endoscopic mucosal resection en bloc or in fragments, are the current focus for submucosal approach, especially for superficial lateral spreading tumor of 20 mm-diameter. The experience of Japanese centers, which are reference in therapeutic endoscopy, demonstrates reduction in the rate of disease recurrence with this approach and, according to specific histopathological criteria, may avoid colectomy in some cases of malignant neoplasia. Case report: The patient was 50-year-old female. She underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection of a rectal lateral spreading tumor measuring 50 mm, located 8 cm from the anal margin. The procedure was performed without major complications, with just two points for muscle layer detachment, without gross perforation and closed with metal clips. However, the patient developed air leakage to the peritoneum, retroperitoneum, mediastinum and subcutaneous tissue, being only treated with clinical procedures and without additional intervention. Conclusion: It is vital to know and be able to apply the technique of ESD, in addition to addressing its complications, since despite the numerous benefits compared to surgery, ESD can result in serious outcomes. (AU)

Introdução: A dissecção endoscópica da submucosa (ESD) já é procedimento consagrado no tratamento do câncer gástrico e esofagiano em suas fases precoces. As lesões colorre-tais, inicialmente abordadas por mucossectomia, em bloco ou em fragmentos, são o foco atual para a abordagem submucosa, principalmente para os tumores de crescimento lateral superficial a partir de 20 mm de diâmetro. A experiência de centros japoneses, referências em endoscopia terapêutica, demonstram redução no índice de recidiva da doença com esta abordagem e, segundo critérios histopatológicos específicos, podem evitar uma colectomia em alguns casos de neoplasia maligna. Relato de caso: Trata-se de paciente de 50 anos, submetida à dissecção endoscópica da submucosa de lesão de crescimento lateral, com 50 mm, localizada no reto, a 8 cm da margem anal. O procedimento foi realizado sem maiores intercorrências, com apenas dois pontos de afastamento da muscular, sem perfuração grosseira, fechados com clipe. Entretanto, a paciente evoluiu com escape aéreo para peritônio, retroperitônio, mediastino e subcútis, sendo tratada sem intervenção adicional, apenas com manejo clínico. Conclusão: É de fundamental importância conhecer e saber aplicar a técnica da ESD, além de abordar suas complicações, uma vez que, mesmo repleta de benefícios em relação à cirurgia, ela pode apresentar desfechos graves. (AU)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

In Brazil, epizootics among New World monkey species may indicate circulation of yellow fever (YF) virus and provide early warning of risk to humans. Between 1999 and 2001, the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul initiated surveillance for epizootics of YF in non-human primates to inform vaccination of human populations. Following a YF outbreak, we analyzed epizootic surveillance data and assessed YF vaccine coverage, timeliness of implementation of vaccination in unvaccinated human populations. From October 2008 through June 2009, circulation of YF virus was confirmed in 67 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul State; vaccination was recommended in 23 (34%) prior to the outbreak and in 16 (24%) within two weeks of first epizootic report. In 28 (42%) municipalities, vaccination began more than two weeks after first epizootic report. Eleven (52%) of 21 laboratory-confirmed human YF cases occurred in two municipalities with delayed vaccination. By 2010, municipalities with confirmed YF epizootics reported higher vaccine coverage than other municipalities that began vaccination. In unvaccinated human populations timely response to epizootic events is critical to prevent human yellow fever cases.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a resposta glicêmica em indivíduos aparentemente saudáveis, do sexo feminino, após a ingestao de equivalentes de carboidratos (50g) procedentes da batata doce (Ipomea batatas), banana comprida (Musa paradisiaca), mamao (Carica papaya) e abacaxi (ananas comosus), tomando-se como referência o pao branco (Francês). Os valores médios de idade, peso e índice de massa corporal foram de 38,62 + 6,28, 66,86 + 6,89 e 26,45 + 3,30, respectivamente. Os alimentos testes foram tomados individualmente ou em refeiçoes mistas. A glicose foi medida (método glicose-oxidase) nos períodos pré-prandial (glicemia basal) e pós-prandial (15,30,45,60,90,120 e 180 minutos). O índice glicêmico foi determinado a partir dos valores médios obtidos de cálculos geométricos das áreas sob as curvas glicêmicas, sendo expresso como percentual da área média do alimento referência. A batata doce, banana comprida, abacaxi e mamao apresentaram índices glicêmicos de 182,37, 87,91, 127,09 e 136,67 respectivamente. As comparaçoes estatísticas foram feitas por meio de procedimentos padronizados. As diferenças entre os valores dos índices glicêmicos da batata doce e da banana comprida foram siginificativas (p<0,05). O aumento dos valores glicêmicos pós-prandiais aos 60 minutos era maior quando a batata doce era fornecida (p<0,05). Nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada entre os índices glicêmicos de todos os alimentos e refeiçoes testes. A área média (sob a curva) da resposta glicêmica aos alimentos isolados nao era significativamente diferente da observada na resposta às refeiçoes. Nossos dados levam a concluir que a resposta glicêmica aos alimentos, especificamente aos carboidratos, mais do que o índice glicêmico, tem que ser considerada quando do planejamento de refeiçoes destinadas a portadores de distúrbios do metabolismo glicídico.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Se estudiò el uso del alga calcàrea (Lithothamnium sp) en su estado vivo i fòsil, en la raciòn de 60 caracoles con 64 dias de edad, provenientes de una ùnica postura. Los caracoles fueron distribuidos en 5 grupos de 12 ejemplares y sometidos a 4 tratamientos y 1 control: se analizò el peso y el diàmetro mayor de la concha al inicio y final del experimento (70 dias). Se calculò el consumo de la dieta, el incremento de peso/consumo y la tasa de crecimiento ponderal/dia. Con la aplicaciòn del concentrado de alga fòsil al 30,77 por cento como fuente completa de calcio de la raciòn y el concentrado de alga viva al 0,20 por cento, se obtuvieron valores òptimos de incremento de peso y crecimiento de la concha. La ingestiòn, el peso y el crecimiento de los caracoles alimentados con el concentrado de alga viva y el de alga viva calentada a 65 C en la composiciòn de 30,77 por cento, fueron màs bajos que el control. Estos resultados sugieren que el concentrado de alga fòsil puede ser utilizado como fuente de calcio con efectos significativos en el crecimiento de helix aspersa, cuando se comparan con los obtenidos con otras fuentes de calcio usualmente utilizadas. Por otro lado, la ausencia de carbonato en el alga viva puede ser responsable por el reducido efecto en el aprovechamiento de calcio en esta especie

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Foram estudados 47 lactantes submetidos a infusäo de prostaglandina E1 (PGE1), no período de dezembro de 1985 a abril de 1988. Idades variaram de 12 horas a 70 dias (média de 10,3 dias), o peso corporal de 1990 g a 4430 g (média de 3005 g). A dose média da infusäo venosa foi de 0,021 mcg/kg/min, variando de 0,013 a 0,089 mcg/kg/min, abaixo da dose preconizada habitualmente. Considerou-se efetiva a terapêutica em 36 (76,55) pacientes que demonstraram melhora clínica, aumento da saturaçäo do O2 arterial acima de 15 vol. O2% e maior diâmetro do canal arterial avaliado através da ecocardiografia. Na correlaçäo entre a resposta terapêutica e a idade do paciente, a maior elevaçäo da saturaçäo de pO2 arterial nos recém-natos ocorreu até 21 dias, em especial até sete dias, em cujo período o aumento médio foi de 24,5 vol. 02. Das cardiopatias que mais se beneficiaram, salientam-se a atresia pulmonar com ou sem CIV, anomalia de Ebstein, atresia tricúspide, estenose pulmonar valvar, dupla via de saída de VD e as ue menos se beneficiaram corresponderam a hipoplasia do coraçäo esquerdo, tetralogia de Fallot, TGA. Os efeitos colaterais, todos reversíveis, näo guardam relaçäo com a dose empregada, sendo os mais freqüentes a apnéia em 40.4%, hipertermia em 29.7%, taquicardia em 19,1%, bradicardia e erupçäo cutânea em 17%. A PGE1 pôde ser usada em período mais prolongado (média de 975 horas) em três pacientes, por prematuridade, infecçäo e complexidade de defeito, abrindo campo de observaçäo similar...

Asunto(s)